INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS
To meet the Air Force’s increasing demand for officers with cross-cultural and foreign language skills, cadets can compete for a spot in one of the U.S. Air Force Academy’s international education programs, managed by the Office of International Programs.
Interested cadets and faculty may apply in mid-August. For questions, call (719) 333-3452.
The Academy’s experiential international education opportunities range from one week to one semester and include:
Cadet Summer Language Immersion Program
The Cadet Summer Language Immersion Program (CSLIP) offers competitively selected cadets the opportunity to improve foreign language and cultural skills abroad during the Summer 1 period (3.5 weeks). The weekday itinerary comprises ~4 hours intensive language study at an accredited university or language school, followed by cultural activities in the afternoon, and weekend excursions to broaden exposure to the local culture. During the summer of academic year 2024, cadets studied in Brazil, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Japan, Latvia, Oman, Spain, and Singapore.
Cadet Semester Exchange Abroad Program
The reciprocal Cadet Semester Exchange Abroad Program (CSEAP) offers competitively selected cadets the opportunity to study abroad during the fall semester at military academies and one institution in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, Japan, Republic of Korea, Singapore, and Spain. The Academy hosts a similar number of cadets from the same foreign academies and one institution. Participation in this program improves language fluency, cultural understanding, and knowledge about the armed forces of ally and partner nations.
Cadet Semester Study Abroad Program
The Cadet Semester Study Abroad Program (CSSAP) offers competitively selected cadets the opportunity to study abroad during the fall semester at civilian universities in Latvia, Egypt, and Taiwan. Participation in this program improves language fluency, cultural understanding, and knowledge about ally and partner nations.
Foreign Academy Visit Program
The reciprocal Foreign Academy Visit (FAV) program offers competitively selected cadets the opportunity to spend spring break at a foreign academy based on invitations from foreign academies that attend the previous fall’s International Week event in Colorado Springs. FAV delegations consist of three cadets and one officer. Foreign Academy Visits conducted during academic year 2024 include Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, Romania, South Korea, Spain, and Thailand.
Cultural Immersion Program
The Cultural Immersion Program (CIP) offers cadets and one faculty mentor an opportunity to design and execute a one to three-week spring break or summer experience abroad. During the spring semester, cadets participate in a reading group or special topics course to study the culture and design an itinerary aligning with the Academy’s institutional outcomes. Cultural Immersion Programs for academic year 2024 include Australia, Cambodia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Jordan, Latvia, Malaysia, Morocco, Philippines, Poland, and South Africa.
Four-Year International Cadet Program
This program enables appointees from foreign nations to attend the Academy from Basic Cadet Training through graduation. Title 10 USC authorizes the Academy to educate up to 60 international cadets at any given time under this program. Currently, international cadets from 25 countries fully integrate into the Cadet Wing chain of command and conform to Air Force customs and courtesies.
Military Personnel Exchange Program
The Air Force maintains agreements with ally and partner nations to exchange personnel to build, sustain, and expand international relations and to serve as critical enablers of the Air Force. Currently, officers from Brazil, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Peru, Republic of Korea, and Spain serve on the Academy’s faculty, teaching foreign language and culture courses, as well as other subjects based on the officer’s area of expertise.